Massachusetts Law About Returns And Refunds Might Surprise You

How often have you bought something from a retail store and had second thoughts about it when you got it home? I think most of us have done that once or twice, no?

Maybe it didn't fit right, the color was wrong or you decided you just shouldn't have spent the money. So, what do you do? You return it for a refund, right? After all, you have a right under the law to return a purchase for a full refund, correct?

The answer to that question might surprise you.

The truth is, you have no such right under Massachusetts law. Most retailers will allow you to return items and refund what you paid for them, usually within a period specified on the receipt at the time of the purchase.

They don't have to do that.

According to the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, "contrary to popular belief, there is no set law about return policies in Massachusetts."

Retailers generally allow returns and refunds because it keeps customers happy and coming back, even though it can hurt the bottom line. It's good customer service.

Consumer Affairs says, "As long as a product is not defective, a store can have any return policy they want so long as it is disclosed somewhere in the store and you have a chance to read it before buying your product."

Massachusetts law requires retailers to accept defective merchandise for return, "regardless of any policy," and "you must be given the option of a repair, replacement item, or refund of the price."

A store has a right to offer a merchandise credit rather than a refund when you return an item. You have at least seven years from the date of issuance to use the credit.

A salesperson cannot misrepresent the store's return policy to get you to buy something.